Jon Barry Scarlett of Smyrna, a retired educator with Middle Tennessee State University, died July 2, 2013 at the Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville after a prolonged and valiant battle against lung disease and other ailments. Born July 14, 1950, in Milan, Tenn., he is survived by his wife, Lin Pote Scarlett; children, Heather Scarlett Wilson (Chase) of Rock Hill, S.C., Jon Barry Scarlett (Jessica) of Greenville, S.C., Sherree Ivey Lindemann (Jo) of Hartford, CT, Eddie Ivey (Terra) of Birmingham, AL, Jason Ivey (deceased), mother, Caroline V. Scarlett of Murfreesboro; sister, Nan Scarlett Overton (Mel), brother, David Scarlett (Teresa Brewer) of Brentwood; nephews Taylor and Jackson Overton of Brentwood; and grandchildren Halle, Gracie and Cade Wilson of Rock Hill, S.C., Sam and Karl Lindemann of Hartford, CT, and Lathan and Logan Ivey of Charlotte, N.C. He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. M.G. Scarlett, former president of MTSU, who died in April, 2012. As a child, Jon lived in Tennessee, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Ohio, Nebraska, Minnesota and Maine before returning to Tennessee for college. While being "the new kid" in school might have intimidated some children, Jon's easy laugh and natural leadership never failed to earn him friends, as well as positions on the student council and as a class officer. His name was changed . . . sort of . . . when "Barry," as he'd always been known among family and friends, was the new kid in school in Nebraska. On the first day, the teacher took attendance and said, "Jon Scarlett," and he decided he kind of liked it and never corrected her. So it was Jon from then on. While many who knew him later in life might not have guessed it, Jon was an excellent athlete in his younger years, earning high school letters in baseball and basketball and also playing basketball at Maryville College during his freshman year before transferring to MTSU and completing his degree. He was also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In the 9th grade, while living in Nebraska, Jon shot a 30 on the back nine to win a golf tournament against all comers, but was unable to accept the 1st place cash prize in order to maintain his amateur status. While living in Maine during his high school years, Jon pitched and played infield for the conference champion Farmington Greyhounds baseball team. He was a member of MTSU's Kappa Iota chapter of Kappa Sigma fraternity at MTSU, for a time serving as the fraternity's Grand Master, and continued to be a friendly, encouraging presence to younger members for many years after his own graduation. He was also an avid MTSU Blue Raider sports fan, frequently traveling to home and away games in support of the football and basketball teams (men's and women's). An active member of the Living Springs Baptist Church in Mt. Juliet, Tenn., Jon loved the Lord and had a kind heart, a big spirit and a ready smile. Jon was a devoted husband and father, a generous and supportive brother and a thoughtful son. He is already dearly missed, but we know we will all see him again. Visitation will be from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Woodfin Funeral Chapel (203 North Lowry) in Smyrna, with the service to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gideons International, Living Springs Baptist Church of Mt. Juliet, Tenn., or the MTSU Foundation. WOODFIN CHAPEL, SMYRNA. (615) 459-3254.